Methods and Apparatus for Software Control of a Non-Functional Operation on Memory
OwnerMark David Bellows, John David Irish +3inventors
InventorsMark David Bellows, John David Irish, David Alan Norgaard, Tolga Ozguner, Dorothy Marie Thelen
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Abstract
In a first aspect, a first method of controlling a non-functional operation on a memory of a computer system using software is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) employing a processor to write bits of data to at least one register external to the processor, wherein the bits of data serve as control bits for the memory; and (2) applying the bits of data to respective pins of the memory so as to cause the non-functional operation to be performed on the memory. Numerous other aspects are provided.
Claims24
A method of controlling a non-functional operation on a memory of a computer system using software, comprising:
- employing a processor to write bits of data to at least one register external to the processor, wherein the bits of data serve as control bits for the memory;
- and
- applying the bits of data to respective pins of the memory so as to cause the non-functional operation to be performed on the memory.
An apparatus for controlling a non-functional operation on a memory of a computer system using software, comprising:
- one or more processors;
- and
- one or more registers external to the processors and coupled thereto and further adapted to couple to the memory;
- wherein the apparatus is adapted to:
- employ one of the processors to write bits of data to at least one of the registers, wherein the bits of data serve as control bits for the memory;
- and
- apply the bits of data to respective pins of the memory so as to cause the non-functional operation to be performed on the memory.
A system for controlling a non-functional operation on a memory of the system using software, comprising:
- one or more processors;
- one or more registers, external to the processors and coupled thereto;
- and
- a memory coupled to the one or more registers;
- wherein the system is adapted to:
- employ one of the processors to write bits of data to at least one of the registers, wherein the bits of data serve as control bits for the memory;
- and
- apply the bits of data to respective pins of the memory so as to cause the non-functional operation to be performed on the memory.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.